The EuroAsia InterConnector project has moved a step closer with new studies awarded to Italian CESI S.p.A. and GAS S.r.l, during a ceremony held at the European Parliament Office in Cyprus.
As Cyprus Mail reports, the studies are for the technical design, the reconnaissance study for the optimum route, and an environmental impact study.
The studies for the subsea cable linking Cyprus and Israel to Europe are expected to be completed in 2016.
The cable consists of an approximately 1518 km long 400 kV interconnector with a capacity of around 2000 MW.
The work on the first portion of cable between Israel and Cyprus is expected to start in 2017. The work is planned to be completed in 2019.
In the second stage of work, the operator plans to connect Greek island of Crete to Attica in mainland Greece in 2020.
The final stage consists of connecting Cyprus and Crete.
The EuroAsia InterConnector is initiated by the DEI-Quantum Energy, a joint venture between DEI and Quantum.